Prevalence of rotavirus A infection and the detection of type G3P[11] strain in ruminants in Yobe state, Nigeria.

Rotaviruses have a worldwide distribution and the infection is associated with diarrhea in young of ruminants as well as children. However, limited data exist on its prevalence and types in Yobe state, Nigeria. Detection of rotavirus A and types in ruminant population in Yobe state was the aim of the study. A total of 470 diarrheic fecal samples were collected and tested for rotavirus and types using serology and molecular techniques respectively. A prevalence rate of 2.98% (14/470) was found in the three species with specific rates of 2.9% (6/202), 3.8% (6/158), and 1.8% (2/110) in goat, sheep, and cattle respectively. The prevalence rates of 3.6% (12/331), 1.2% (1/84), and 1.8% (1/55) were for those aged < 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9 months old, respectively, while 4.9% (9/185) and 1.7% (5/285) were in males and females respectively. Rotavirus genes VP7 and VP4 were detected in 2 (14.3%) out of the 14 ELISA-positive samples while deduced amino acid sequences of the major variable regions revealed the genes to belong to types G3P[11] strain. Significant association was found between the infection and sex (P < 0.05) unlike in the species and age groups of the ruminants. The circulation of rotavirus virus in ruminants and type G3P[11] in cattle has been confirmed in the study. Hence, there is a need for continuous surveillance, awareness campaign, and assessment of the economic losses and public health implications of rotavirus infection in Nigeria.